Prediction and optimization of hardened properties of concrete prepared with granite dust and scrapped copper wire using response surface methodology

Urban growth in the developing world has prompted researchers to seek alternatives to fine aggregate due to the severe environmental impact of extensive natural sand depletion. On top of that, the accumulation of non-biodegradable dumps, solid trash such as scrapped copper wire (SCW), and industrial remnants like granite dust (GD) have reached alarming levels. Therefore, incorporating these two waste materials in concrete offers a potentially sustainable solution. The study aims at substituting natural fine aggregate with GD as well as incorporating SCW for predicting and optimizing the compressive and splitting tensile strength of concrete using response surface methodology (RSM). Two independent variables, the volumetric percentages of GD (10 %, 20 %, and 30 %) and SCW (0.1 %, 0.3 %, and 0.5 %) in a concrete mix ratio of 1:1.5:3, were utilized to create probabilistic models for compressive and splitting tensile strength at 7 and 28 days. The experimental design employed central composite design (CCD) of RSM and the results of both ANOVA and regression analysis in terms of several statistical functions demonstrated a strong correlation between the predicted values of the responses and the actual experimental results. The developed models were validated by conducting experiments using optimized proportions of GD (23.32 %) and SCW (0.37 %). Finally, the strengths of the optimum content mix yielding 25.12 MPa and 3.266 MPa, respectively for compressive and splitting tensile at 28 days ensure the efficiency of the models due to the substantial similarity between experimental and predicted values. Therefore, integrating GD and SCW for higher-strength concrete in mass production can be a cost-effective alternative, fostering increased recycling of waste and supporting sustainable growth in building construction

Talking Trials: An arts‐based exploration of attitudes to clinical trials amongst minority ethnic members of the South Riverside Community of Cardiff

Abstract Introduction Clinical trials must include diverse participants to ensure the wide applicability of results. However, people from ethnic minorities are included in clinical trials at rates lower than expected given their share of the population. Working with South Riverside Community Development Centre (SRCDC), Talking Trials used public engagement to foster discussions around the underrepresentation of those from minority ethnic communities in clinical trials and to identify and address concerns surrounding trial participation. Methods We conducted three workshops with 13 co‐researchers from minority ethnic backgrounds. We explored perceptions and understanding of clinical trials alongside participatory art activities to help move away from verbocentric methods of communication. These artworks formed an exhibition that was presented to the community, prompting further discussions and engagement. Findings Co‐production workshops were an effective tool to introduce the public to trial research. With little knowledge of clinical trials at the beginning of the process, our co‐researchers formed a cohesive group, sharing initial fears and mistrust towards trials. As conversations progressed these attitudes clearly shifted. Artwork produced during the workshops was incorporated into an exhibition. Quotes and creative pieces from the group were included to reflect the themes identified. Presenting the exhibition at Riverside Festival enabled further engagement with a wider diverse community. The focus on co‐production helped build a network of individuals new to research and keen to become involved further. Conclusion Inclusive and democratic co‐production, enriched by participatory art practices, provided a powerful means of enabling our group to create new insights and foster new relationships. Projects like Talking Trials can diversify the research process itself—for example, four co‐researchers have commenced lay research partner roles on trial management groups and a lay advisory group is in development. Patient or Public Contribution Three members of staff at SRCDC were on the project delivery group and involved in the initial project design, subsequently helping to connect us with members of the Riverside community to work as co‐researchers. Two of the SRCDC staff are co‐authors of this manuscript. The project had 13 public co‐researchers guiding the direction of this research and creating the artwork displayed in the art exhibition

Empagliflozin in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background The effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease who are at risk for disease progression are not well understood. The EMPA-KIDNEY trial was designed to assess the effects of treatment with empagliflozin in a broad range of such patients. Methods We enrolled patients with chronic kidney disease who had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of at least 20 but less than 45 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2) of body-surface area, or who had an eGFR of at least 45 but less than 90 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2) with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (with albumin measured in milligrams and creatinine measured in grams) of at least 200. Patients were randomly assigned to receive empagliflozin (10 mg once daily) or matching placebo. The primary outcome was a composite of progression of kidney disease (defined as end-stage kidney disease, a sustained decrease in eGFR to < 10 ml per minute per 1.73 m(2), a sustained decrease in eGFR of & GE;40% from baseline, or death from renal causes) or death from cardiovascular causes. Results A total of 6609 patients underwent randomization. During a median of 2.0 years of follow-up, progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes occurred in 432 of 3304 patients (13.1%) in the empagliflozin group and in 558 of 3305 patients (16.9%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 0.82; P < 0.001). Results were consistent among patients with or without diabetes and across subgroups defined according to eGFR ranges. The rate of hospitalization from any cause was lower in the empagliflozin group than in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.95; P=0.003), but there were no significant between-group differences with respect to the composite outcome of hospitalization for heart failure or death from cardiovascular causes (which occurred in 4.0% in the empagliflozin group and 4.6% in the placebo group) or death from any cause (in 4.5% and 5.1%, respectively). The rates of serious adverse events were similar in the two groups. Conclusions Among a wide range of patients with chronic kidney disease who were at risk for disease progression, empagliflozin therapy led to a lower risk of progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes than placebo